More Psychic Woo Woo In Salem

topic posted Sat, August 18, 2007 - 8:37 AM by  offlineJoe
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www.boston.com/news/local...ling_rules/

Again in addressing to licensing of "psychics" the authorities have missed the point by a mile.

>The June 14 ordinance was designed to provide equal opportunity for psychic readers operating in the Witch City, rather than try to identify those who might have the ability to forecast the future.

"It's complicated and tough to quantify," said City Councilor Joan Lovely. "Some psychics claim it's an innate ability with no real schooling requirement. Who's to decide?"<

Innate or learned if people have such abilities and expect to be paid for them (sometimes large sums of money) then these abilities should be clearly demonstrable.

If one wants to be a Lawyer, Doctor, even a plumber the law requires that one demonstrate a level of knowledge and ability. Under the Salem ordinance it seems all that is needed is that you submit a resume and meet a residency requirement.

But then requiring that they actually be able to do what they claim would radically cut back the number of practicing "psychics" in Salem.

At least they kept the criminal background check - one of the stumbling points earlier on for the "psychics" already practicing in the city. Then again I suppose it would be hard to explain why the guy selling hot dogs to tourists needs to pass a background check while the one giving psychic advice does not.

So once again it is the gullible who will pay for this kind of thinking. I guess its OK as long as Salem gets its cut in taxes and licensing fees.
posted by:
Joe
online Joe
Massachusetts
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